Archives for October 2015

As summer came to an end and fall whisked in to save us from the heat, I’ve taken notice that some of those pesky summer critters have yet to say goodbye to us.

Mosquitos, chiggers, biting flies, fleas, ticks, and the list goes on. I’ve found it so hard to get those critters to get gone and stay gone with traditional bug repellents. Let alone the laundry list of harmful chemicals that the sprays contain! Who wants to spray those harmful toxins on themselves or their children? Not me!

I’ve started to create a natural bug repellent lotion that is soothing, perfect for any conditions, and will even help the little ones sleep at night.

Here is what I do:

I start with a natural no scent lotion. You can use something like Jergens for sensitive skin or something a little more natural and organic like an off-brand lotion as long as it has no-scent. Since I already had a bottle of Jergens lying around I decided to give it a try.

You’ll also need about 3-4 organic essential oils. My favorite blend to use is lavender, peppermint, clary sage, and tea tree oil. You can experiment with scents and make your own blend using other oils such as lemon balm, lemon grass, oregano, garlic, thyme, rosemary, citronella, clove, basil, sage, cedar wood, and the list goes on.

*I would highly recommend testing a little bit of the oils on a small area of skin like your wrist before applying the lotion to your skin, to make sure you don’t have any reactions to the oil.

Take about 4-5 pumps of non scented lotion and pump that into a small bowl.

Drop about 3-5 drops of each scent of oil, and use at least 3 different scents.

Blend the oils into the lotion with a spoon or fork then apply generously to exposed skin areas.

*If you decide to use any harsher oils like oregano or garlic, I would recommend starting with one drop in your mixture to make sure it isn’t too strong for your skin.

I like to dab a little bit behind my ears, and lather on in sensitive skin areas even if they are covered up, like your wrists, ankles, neck, backs of the knees and elbows, and of course in any obviously exposed areas. This mixture I’ve made has been tested to work during the day and evening to keep mosquitos and other pests at bay.

Sometimes it is inevitable that we will get a bite from an inspect no matter how much preventative measures we take. Here are some ways you can help soothe the pain and swelling and get rid of that CRAZY itch!

Try applying one of the following essential oils directly on the bite:
• Lavender, tea tree, or peppermint
• Apple Cider Vinegar also works well, although I would recommend staying inside after applying ACV as to not attract any biting flies or bees that have interest in the smell.

Try one of the following natural tricks:
1. Hold an icepack directly onto the bite.
2. Brew a chamomile or peppermint tea bag, cool the bag then hold directly on the bite.
3. Rub a lemon or lime slice directly on the bite.
4. Take a tablespoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of water, mix into a paste, and lather onto the bite.
5. Natural and organic honey or raw honey applied to the bite can also help to kill any bacteria as well as soothe the pain.

I hope you enjoyed this thrift simple bug repellent recipe, let me know in the comments how it worked for you and your family!

Welcome!

Jax Baxter | Blogger | San Diego, CA

Hello Baxter is a blog for the wanderlust and free spirit at heart. My modern-day bohemian lifestyle is about frugal DIY ideas, thrifty cooking recipes, travel and adventure, and my own take on self-sufficiency living in the city.